The Rat Race and The Greasy Pole

“You can win the rat race, but you’re still a rat.”

~ Banksy

The whole idea of promoting people can and often does cause resentment among employees who feel they have been passed over or unfairly treated. This resentment can lead to low morale, reduced productivity, poor collaboration, and high turnover rates.

The whole notion of promotion is often likened to climbing a “greasy pole” or participating in a “rat race.” In both cases, the competition is fierce, and those who succeed are often perceived as having done so through ruthless ambition, craven compliance, nepotism, etc., rather than genuine talent or hard work. This can breed resentment among those who feel they have been left behind, particularly if they perceive a promotion to be arbitrary or unfair.

Promotions are also the mortar in the crumbling brickwork of hierarchical organisations, where employees at different levels are treated differently and may not work together effectively. This can lead to a lack of collaboration, communication, and trust among team members, further contributing to resentment and low morale.

Overall, promotions create a toxic workplace culture characterised by resentment, competition, and hierarchy. Employers should carefully consider the potential downsides of such policies and work to create a more collaborative and equitable workplace culture.